First Drive Honda Civic 1.6-litre i-DTEC

Honda’s all-new Civic now benefits from the introduction of a new 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine. This is now added to the range of engines available in the new Civic, the 2.2-litre diesel which we drove last year will still be available to order, although we would envisage this new, smaller engine to prove more popular with Irish motorists. The new Civic has been instrumental for Honda Ireland’s sales, which experienced a 12 per cent rise in 2012, despite a fall in the car sales market nationally. Armed with this new economical diesel variant of the Civic, the outlook for Honda Ireland is prosperous over the coming months.

Prices for the new 1.6-litre diesel Civic commence from €23,975 for the entry-level SE model. There are three trim specifications available, SE, ES and EX. The standard SE variant is priced very competitively against its main competitors, the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The level of standard equipment is certainly generous, with alloy wheels, climate control, idle stop, a front centre armrest, and alarm, electric rear windows and a multi-function steering wheel all included on the SE model.

The 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine utilises a turbo to produce a healthy 120hp and a vigorous 300Nm of torque. This strong torque figure is certainly noticeable when driving. We took the new Civic for a short test drive that combined some motorway and rural roads. The engine provides sufficient power to meet any demands, combined with a truly well-engineered chassis the Civic is a joy to drive. On paper, its fuel consumption is excellent, with a combined consumption of just 3.6l/100km (78.4mpg). We’ll have to take it on an extended test drive to see what we average in everyday driving conditions. With CO2 emissions of 94g this new Civic is seated in tax band A2, with an annual road tax of €180.

The new Civic is already a very accomplished car, now with this new 1.6-litre diesel variant it makes for an attractive alternative to its close competitors.